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Some call them literati, bibliophiles, or even bookworms. But they’re not too concerned about those titles, ‘cus they’re busy browsing the shelves for titles from their favorite authors. That’s right, we’re talking about book lovers. You could pick up a copy of the latest best-seller or a literary classic to stuff in their stocking this year, but chances are they’ve already devoured it, cover to cover. Instead, try one of these selections from our library of gift ideas that are sure to read well with the well-read.

Skillfully cutting found aluminum cans into sequin-like disks and positioning them in beautiful art doesn’t sound easy. Make that art about four feet wide and construct it in the back of a van, and you’ve got yourself a whole new challenge. That’s what Hannah Dreiss and Nemo do when they create their Recycled Aluminum Moving Mosaics. When they’re not using their van as a studio, they’re literally taking the show on the road. They travel with their pieces from art show to art show, calling their van/studio home sweet home along the way. Read on to find out how cans became their main medium, how cancer brought them closer together, and how their favorite things about #vanlife.

Looking for a birthday gift for someone celebrating in October? We gathered 15 of our favorite goods that are sure to put a smile on their face, whether you’re looking to please a gin drinker, a baseball fan, or even an impossible-to-shop-for friend.

Summer’s the time for fun in the sun, but days at the beach, backyard barbecues, and endless outdoor events can start to get spendy. We’re not about to let dollar signs put a damper on summer celebrations, so we picked a few of our favorite warm-weather finds that cost less than $50.

I’ve talked to several creative people who have distinct memories of watching Mr. Rogers show us how crayons are made, so it didn’t surprise me when jewelry designer Rebecca Stern mentioned being inspired by the great Fred Rogers’ televised visits to interesting factories, where he gave curious kids a look behind the scenes. I even felt a little like I was in one of those videos when I visited Rebecca and her husband (and business partner) in their Red Hook, Brooklyn, studio. Their space is filled with tiny bits of inspiration, interesting models and miniatures, and plans to make their next imaginative designs.

If you’re one of those folks who remembers feeling a sense of wonder as you watched wax pour into metal molds as a kid, I think you’d feel the same way within the walls of the Sterns’ space. From watching images on Cameron’s computer screen materialize in the 3D printer, to trying to figure out how they get their detailed dioramas so darn small, to listening to stories of family explorations and adventures, every moment in the studio left me a little more intrigued than the last. Rebecca even made a few pieces while we were there. Watch our video below to see our own version of How It’s Made, then keep reading to learn how science influences the couple’s work, why they’ll never stop experimenting, and what it looks like when you put two very tiny giraffes in an Erlenmeyer flask.

Your dad is one of a kind. From his funny stories (sure, you’ve heard ’em before, but you love hearing ’em again), to his funny jokes, to his ability to always know exactly when you need some fatherly advice, he’s a pretty special fella. We’re here to help you make your papa feel even more special on June 17 with a selection of unique Father’s Day gifts that you can only get at UncommonGoods.

Got a pops who loves his hops? This set of pint glasses celebrates the ingredients that make beer great with Alyson Thomas’ clever illustrated diagrams.

Maybe a touch of absinthe is Dad’s drink of choice? This set comes with everything that would have been included in a 19th-century absinthe service for one. (Except that enchanting green spirit. Throw in a bottle of his favorite brand and he’ll surely raise a glass to you on Father’s Day.)

So your dad’s the kind of guy who doesn’t love it when you spend money on lavish Father’s Day surprises for him. He really believes it’s the thought that counts and would be perfectly happy with the gift of a pair of tube socks or a value pack of batteries—ya know, something he can really use. While we understand Dad’s devotion to utilitarian gifts, we think there are plenty of creative ways to compromise. This collection of thoughtful-yet-useful gifts will help you find something that makes you feel great about gifting while, more importantly, giving Pops a practical gift he’ll want to try out right away.

So maybe a water bottle that looks nice isn’t on the top of your practical dad’s gift list. But one that’s made of super durable borosilicate glass, easily attaches to his bike or bag, and comes with an app that tells him the closest places to refill it for free probably is. The nice-looking part is just a bonus.

With more than 4,000 uncommon goods to choose from, you might need some help finding your new favorite things. Each week, we’ll round up a mix of the brand new, the tried-and-true, and our personal picks—all just for you.

1. The perfect babysuit for your lil’ cute-tea.

The boba graphics on this super-soft cotton babysuit are added by hand, making each extra special. The straw on the matching hat? That makes this outfit extra adorable.

The Goods is more than a place to see our products. We’re here to tell the stories behind and beyond what we sell. When you visit our blog, you’ll meet artists, discover uncommon knowledge, immerse yourself in creative design, and get to know the people who keep UncommonGoods going strong.